Les Thermes – Strassen-Bertrange, Luxembourg

Completed in 2009, Les Thermes is a leisure and swimming complex serving Luxembourg and neighboring regions of Germany, France, and Belgium. With a gross building volume of 60,560 m³ and a floor area of 10,930 m², it is one of the country’s most significant public timber structures.

The design concept resembles a cut gemstone, with one closed façade facing the industrial zone and a transparent façade opening toward a planned residential area. The timber-glass façade, assembled with RICON EA connectors, delivered both concealed strength and installation efficiency.

Inside, a glulam roof structure spans an elliptical footprint of 112.5 by 62.5 meters. The chlorine-rich pool environment made timber the only viable material, as steel would corrode. Semi-frames set at 5-meter intervals and glulam purlins created large, open spans with minimal supports. Acoustic performance was enhanced by suspended wooden lamella panels that also allow daylight to filter through roof openings.

Key Highlights:

Connector technology: RICON EA connectors secured the laminated timber post-and-beam façade.
Construction method: Concrete base with large-span timber roof trusses, glulam semi-frames, and glass façades.
Design features: Gemstone-inspired geometry, timber-glass façades, and acoustic lamella panels.
Performance: Chlorine-resistant timber structure with glass spans supported by concealed connections.
Sustainability: 500 m² photovoltaic panels and on-site block heating power plant.
Safety innovation: Poseidon underwater camera system for swimmer detection and rescue.

Les Thermes demonstrates how RICON EA connectors enable large-scale timber-glass façades while supporting the performance, safety, and sustainability requirements of modern public facilities.

Credits: Architecture by Clemes Architecte, Witry & Witry, and Hermann & Valentiny et Associes. Structural engineering by Schroeder & Associes. Timber construction by Ochs GmbH. Acoustics by Von Rekowsky & Partner. Built for CNI Les Thermes Strassen-Bertrange. Images courtesy of project partners.